Dissertation Research: Neurophysiological Control of Avian Vocal Behavior

鸟类发声行为的神经生理控制在鸣禽中，鸣叫是一种习得行为，由大脑中统称为发声控制系统的特定区域控制。由于声音控制区域调节单一行为，因此对这一主题的研究为阐明行为的神经基础提供了独特的机会。甾体激素在该系统的性别分化和发声行为的学习和表达中起着重要作用。然而，对类固醇效应的广泛研究并没有令人满意地解释歌曲发展和表达各个阶段的声乐控制系统的特征。研究人员已经观察到阿片类药物及其受体在声音控制区域。在其他系统中，阿片样物质调节神经元形态和存活、感觉加工、学习和记忆。为了确定阿片类药物是否调节发声控制的任何这些特征，有必要确定发声控制系统阿片类药物活性与歌唱行为的特定方面之间是否存在任何相关性。这项工作将使用放射免疫分析来测量黑眼junco （junco hyemalis）大脑在四个阶段的发声控制区域的阿片浓度：歌曲模板存储，歌曲表达，歌曲识别和繁殖后歌唱行为停止。此外，一项平行研究将直接评估慢性阿片类拮抗剂给药对成年雄性juncos鸣叫行为的影响。该项目将有助于指导未来研究阿片类药物在控制行为中的作用。

ABSTRACT Deviche & Gulledge IBN 96-23171 Neurophysiological Control of Avian Vocal Behavior In songbirds, singing is a learned behavior controlled by specific brain regions collectively called the vocal control system. Because the vocal control regions regulate a single behavior, studies on this subject offer a unique opportunity for elucidating the neural bases of behavior. Steroidal hormones play essential roles in this system s sexual differentiation and in vocal behavior learning and expression. However, extensive research on steroid effects has not satisfactorily explained characteristics of the vocal control system at all stages of song development and expression. The investigators have observed opioids and their receptors in vocal control regions. In other systems opioids modulate neuron morphology and survival, sensory processing, and learning and memory. In order to ascertain whether opioids regulate any of these features of vocal control, it is necessary to determine if any correlation exists between vocal control system opioid activity an d particular aspects of singing behavior. The proposed work will use radioimmunoassays to measure opioid concentrations in vocal control regions microdissected from dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) brains during four stages: song template storage, song expression, song recognition, and post- breeding cessation of singing behavior. Additionally, a parallel study that will directly asses the effects of chronic opioid antagonist administration on singing behavior in adult male juncos will be conducted. This project will help direct future research on the role(s) of opioids in controlling behavior.